Public Health

Maternal & Child Health - Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded health and nutrition education program that provides free supplemental foods to promote good health for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. WIC participants also receive one-on-one nutrition assessment and counseling, breastfeeding information and support, and referrals to health care and community services at no cost.

What foods does WIC provide?

  • Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Bread, Tortillas
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Dairy: Milk, Cheese, Eggs
  • Soy Beverages & Tofu as milk alternatives
  • Dry Beans, Peas, Lentils
  • Canned Beans
  • Peanut Butter
  • Cereals
  • 100% Juice
  • Infant Formula
  • Infant Cereals, Infant Fruits and Vegetables
  • Infant Meats for fully breastfed infants
  • Light Tuna or Pink Salmon for fully breastfeeding women

The food packages are prescribed based on the nutritional needs of the participant and the age and feeding status of your children. Since WIC foods are supplemental, the vouchers will not meet all of a participant’s needs. You will need to get additional foods and formulas using other resources, such as cash, food stamps or food shelf.

To view a complete WIC Shopping Guide, see Minnesota 2009-2010 WIC Shopping Guide.

Am I or my children eligible for WIC in Sherburne County?

You or your children may be eligible for WIC in Sherburne County if you meet the following criteria:

  • You or your children live in Sherburne County
  • You are pregnant, nursing, or have a child under age 5
  • One of your family members is eligible or participates in Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Care, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Food Stamps (FS), Head Start, Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program, Fuel Assistance
  • Your total household income falls within the WIC Income Guidelines
  • Your total household income falls within the Guidelines for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) and you are willing to apply for Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care

Maximum allowable gross income standards effective July 1, 2011 are as follows:*

Household SizeWIC income guidelinesGuidelines for MHCP
AnnualBiweeklyAnnualBiweekly
120,14777529,9521,152
227,2141,04740,4641,556
334,2811,31950,9761,960
441,3481,59161,4882,364
548,4151,86372,0002,769
655,4822,13482,5123,173
762,5492,40693,0423,577
869,6162,678103,5363,982
976,6832,950114,0484,386
1083,7503,222124,5604,790
each additional member7,06727210,512404

* Pregnant women count in the household size as two.

Children in foster care or children receiving SSI or TEFRA are also eligible. For more information, see State Eligibility Information.

How Do I Apply?

  • If you do not live in Sherburne County, please call 1-800-942-3040 for a WIC program in your area.
  • If you live in Sherburne County, please call 763-765-4116 or 1-800-433-5237 to apply and schedule an appointment. You may fill out an application. Your submitted application will be reviewed and a staff member will contact you within 2 business days. Be sure to include your phone number with area code or an email address on the application. If you are mailing in your application, send to:

    Sherburne County Public Health-WIC
    13880 Highway 10 West
    13880 Business Center Drive
    Elk River, MN 55330-4601

Where can I find a WIC Clinic in Sherburne County?

WIC clinics are located in Becker and Elk River. Clinic dates and hours vary, and appointments are required. The appointment may be scheduled for the same day that you call. You will need to bring proof of identity, address, and income to determine your eligibility. View the Appointment Reminder Form PDF for details.